PBS Delves Into Immigration Policy History In New ‘AmEx’ Episode

May 25, 2018 by: admin

Courtesy: PBS

By Philip Sayblack

Recent news stories about immigration policy have sharply divided America and its people. While the actions being taken by this nation’s leaders are deplorable to say the least, it is not the first time that such heinous acts have happened, as has been shown in a new episode of PBS’ hit history-based series American Experience.

American Experience: The Chinese Exclusion Act examines Republican President Chester A. Arthur’s role in the Chinese Exclusion Act, which suspended Chinese labor immigration into the United States. Arthur vetoed the original act, but signed the second draft, which reduced the immigration ban from 20 years to 10. The bill also prevented Chinese citizens already living in the United States from becoming full citizens, something else that President Arthur disliked.

The Chinese Exclusion Act marked the first time that the American government prevented the immigration of people of any certain ethnic group or nationality, but would not be the last. Presidents who followed Arthur would use their own power to stop such bills from moving through and becoming law. Now with the current immigration issues happening in America, this episode of American Experience proves as timely as ever. A trailer for this special episode is streaming online now here.

It is currently scheduled to be released on DVD June 5 and to retail for MSRP of $24.99 The 163-minute program can be pre-ordered online now at a reduced price of $19.99 via PBS’ online store. More information on this and other episodes of American Experience is available online now at: